About this role
Role Description
The Pain specialist provides comprehensive care for patients who have illnesses within the scope of acute and chronic pain. The scope of these activities covers all phases of ambulatory care. Other responsibilities may include education of medical students and residents and/or supervision of other providers. The majority of the Pain specialist's time is devoted to patient care and education, with the remaining time set aside for performance improvement activities, creative research to improve patient care, and activities sufficient to maintain proficiency in state-of-the-art pain care.
Functions or Scope of Assigned Duties:
Observance of Federal, national, and local regulations, policy, and accreditation requirements. Administrative responsibilities include: Writes Medical Orders and prescriptions for non-controlled and controlled substances. Documents care provided in the Computerized Patient Record System (CPRS). Documents the detailed, targeted, initial history and physical examination. Obtains consent and documents procedures performed. Provides education and counseling of patients and families. Review and revise policies and scope of practice/standards of operation. Review and guide protocols in chronic patient management. Clinical responsibilities include: Responds to and completes consults for the evaluation of Pain. Performs a comprehensive, detailed, targeted, initial history and physical examination. Orders diagnostic studies such as laboratory tests, X-rays, MRIs, etc. Orders appropriate medications related to managing subacute or chronic pain. Performs interventional procedures including: Peripheral joint injections. Peripheral nerve blocks. Spine epidural injections. Radiofrequency ablations. Intrathecal/epidural/peripheral neurolysis. Sympathetic nerve blocks. Therapeutic nerve blocks including celiac plexus blocks. Epidural catheter implantation. Consults other disciplines as necessary. Carries out health promotion and disease prevention activities. Participates in all VISN and national level efforts in Pain programs.
Qualifications
United States Citizenship. Degree of doctor of medicine or an equivalent degree from an approved school. Current, full and unrestricted license to practice medicine or surgery. Completed residency training approved by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs. Proficiency in spoken and written English.
Requirements
Active DEA and State Substance License. Experience in working with various teams for the common good of the patient. Three to five years of experience as a Pain Management practitioner. Exceptional customer service record and ability to resolve conflicts.
Benefits
Competitive salary, annual performance bonus, regular salary increases. 50-55 days of paid time off per year. Traditional federal pension and federal 401K with up to 5% contributions by VA. Federal health/vision/dental/term life/long-term care insurance. Possible $1,000 per year reimbursement for CME. Free liability protection with tail coverage provided. No Physician Employment Contract and no significant restriction on moonlighting.
Physical Requirements
Moderate lifting, 15-44 pounds. Use of fingers; Walking (4-6 hours); Standing (4-6 hours). Near vision correctable at 13" to 16" to Jaeger 1 to 4. Far vision correctable in one eye to 20/20 and to 20/40 in the other. Ability to distinguish basic colors; Hearing (aid permitted).